Laore blames border issues for his resignation

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Shortland MP, Chris Laore says one of the reasons for him resigning from the DCCG regime was the failure of the government to address security issues in his constituency.

Member of Parliament (MP) for Shortland, Chris Laore says one of the reasons for him resigning from the Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) regime was the failure of the government to address security issues in his constituency.

Laore’s constituency covers the last islands in the Western Province of Solomon Islands that bordered with Bougainville of Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Laore said security problem is an ongoing issue in his constituency that consecutive government failed to address despite his repeated request.

He revealed that people in his constituency wants to venture into business activities to sustain their livelihoods but that will not happen since armed men continue to cross-over the borderline to rob canteens and demand money from villagers.

Laore said he had lost faith in this government since this is a long time issue that has been repeatedly requested for police to do something but was never addressed.

Adding, the exit of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) puts more risks on criminal activities across the borderline with Bougainville.

He said police commissioner says security there is very expensive and government did not have the resource to maintain police operation on the borderline reflects irresponsibility on the part of the government that failed to prioritise security for its people.

Laore said beside that, his position as Minister for Forestry was like a puppet controlled by some people.

He said although there are laws to follow in the processes, some people just undermine their authority by instructing them to do things according to their wish or they will lose their job.

Laore said with these reasons he had decide to leave the government.

But former Minster for Police Stanley Sofu said Laore’s grievance on borderline security is an issue that has been there for sometimes now.

However, Sofu said those issues should be dealt with in office and should not be dragged to parliament in an effort to overthrow the DCC government.